Special Relativity Modules

Most introductions to special relativity misstate what Einstein said in his 1905 paper, obscuring the beauty of the theory and making facts like time dilation and length contraction seem mysterious and hard to believe. By carefully stating the two principles Einstein started with, and working through their logical consequences with simple "spacetime diagrams," we come to see time dilation and length contraction as natural and easy to believe - indeed it would be an odd universe were these to not occur! Moreover, by considering accelerated observers we follow one of Einstein's amazing thought experiments that helped lead him to the idea that gravity might have something to do with "warped" space and time, creating a springboard to his general theory of relativity. As with the quantum mechanics lectures, the focus is on the ideas: gaining substantial insights into the fascinating physics involved, with as little mathematics as possible.

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The special relativity lectures have been divided into 14 modules, listed below, each with a title and a brief description of its content. It is recommended that these be viewed in the order listed, as each module builds on concepts introduced in previous modules. Clicking on the titles below will reveal an active link to the recorded lecture segment that includes a list of key learning outcomes.

Learning to use Minkowskian geometry to understand, very simply, a variety of aspects of Einstein’s spacetime. to understand a variety of Discovering how a light particle experience space and time during its journey from one place to another.

The spacetime diagram of a rotating Bob is analyzed, leading us to conclude that his spatial geometry is curved.

About the Lecturer

Richard Epp has a Masters degree in electrical engineering and a PhD degree in theoretical physics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and has held postdoctoral research positions around the world working in general relativity: Einstein's theory of space, time and gravity. With both an engineering and a theoretical physics background, Dr. Epp is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the entire spectrum of physics, from curiosity-driven research in quantum gravity to the applied physics of how a cell phone works. He has extensive outreach experience, having originated many of PI's outreach initiatives - including the ISSYP - and immensely enjoys introducing people of all ages to the mysteries and wonders of our amazing universe.